Veterinary Technician

Are you passionate about animal welfare and thrive in a fast-paced, shelter medicine environment? Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a compassionate and skilled technician to join our dedicated team!

In this role, you’ll provide exams, patient care, and surgical support for animals in the rescue’s care. You’ll collaborate closely with a supportive team of veterinary professionals to carry out treatment plans, monitor recovery, and ensure every animal receives the highest standard of care on their journey to a better life.

This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a real impact every day alongside a team that shares your commitment to saving lives, one animal at a time.

Availability: Monday through Friday, 7 am-5 pm (times and days may vary due to workload). The ability and willingness to accommodate a flexible schedule are key.

Essential Job Functions:

• Evaluate and examine incoming patients.  

• Complete medical and surgical procedures in a competent, safe, and efficient manner

• Performs common in-house laboratory diagnostics

• Enter the required data into the medical records. 

• Support daily flow, including setup, check-in, recovery, discharge, and cleanup.

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure that animals receive proper care and necessary treatments to prepare them for adoption.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician preferred, with demonstrated experience in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine environments.

• Preferred candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in anesthesiology and surgery. 

• The ability to lift 50 lbs and be physically able to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb steps.

• A strong understanding of animal body language and behavioral cues facilitates calm and safe interactions.

• Ability to accurately evaluate the health and condition of animals while providing safe restraint.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• The right candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.

 Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and discretion. Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential situations.

• Strong interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people. 

• Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families and peers. 

• Work as a team player, supporting the organization's overall goals. 

• Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.

• Brings a strong drive for results while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected or challenging situations.

• Well organized.

Benefits:

Health & Insurance

• Health insurance available the 1st of the month after 30 days; RSR covers 50% of the employee premium.

• Optional insurance plans available after 90 days (employee-paid at discounted group rates), including:

  • Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

  • Short-Term Disability

  • Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Retirement & Time Off

• 401(k) plan with up to 3% match after 90 days.

• Paid Time Off (PTO):

  • Year 1: 10 days

  • Years 2–3: 15 days

  • Years 4–5: 20 days

  • Years 6–7: 25 days

  • Year 8+: 30 days
    (PTO is prorated from anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)

• 7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.

• Paid parental leave

Professional Development & Perks

• Up to $200 annually for professional development.

• Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.

Salary: $20-$23/hr

Reports to: Practice Manager

Applicants, please note: When applying, include a cover letter and resume.